Library Village Model

Building Community-Centred Reading Ecosystems

Introduction

The Library Village Model, as developed in Maniguh, Uttarakhand, is an innovative, community-driven approach to reimagining access to knowledge in rural spaces. It moves beyond the idea of a single library building and instead creates a decentralised network of reading spaces, activities, and community participation.

At its core, the model is based on a simple yet powerful belief:
when reading becomes part of a community’s identity, it transforms the way people learn, think, and grow.

What is a Library Village?

A Library Village is not defined by infrastructure alone—it is defined by culture.

It is a village where:

Reading becomes a shared social practice

Books are accessible within the community

Learning extends beyond formal education

People of all ages participate in knowledge creation

The model integrates:

A central library with a diverse collection of books

Multiple Book Temples (decentralised reading spaces)

Continuous book circulation based on demand

Regular educational and cultural activities

How the Model Works

The Library Village Model operates through a structured yet flexible approach:

1. Community Engagement

The process begins with dialogue—understanding the needs, interests, and aspirations of the local community.

2. Establishing a Central Library

A central space is developed as the primary repository of books and learning resources.

3. Creating Book Temples

Small, accessible reading spaces are established across the village and nearby areas, ensuring that books are within reach of all.

4. Dynamic Book Circulation

Books are continuously rotated between the central library and Book Temples based on readers’ preferences, making the system responsive and alive.

5. Organising Activities

Programmes such as reading campaigns, workshops, cultural festivals, and skill-building sessions are conducted to sustain engagement.

Key Principles of the Model

The strength of the Library Village Model lies in its guiding principles:

Community Ownership: The initiative is driven and sustained by the people themselves.

Decentralised Access: Knowledge is distributed across spaces rather than concentrated in one location.

Gender Inclusion: Women and girls play a central role in managing and leading the initiative.

Participation Over Prescription: The model evolves through dialogue rather than top-down implementation.

Continuity of Learning: Reading is embedded in everyday life, not limited to formal education systems.

Relevance Across Contexts

While the model has emerged from the Himalayan context—where terrain and accessibility pose significant challenges—it holds relevance far beyond it.

The Library Village Model can be adapted to:

Remote and mountainous regions

Rural and semi-urban communities

Educationally underserved areas

Its strength lies in its flexibility and low-cost adaptability, making it suitable for diverse socio-geographical settings.

What is Required

The model does not demand large-scale infrastructure. Instead, it relies on:

A small space for a central library

A basic collection of books (which can grow over time)

Community volunteers and local leadership

Commitment to sustained engagement

What matters most is not resources, but collective will and participation.

Impact and Possibilities

The Library Village Model contributes to:

Development of reading habits among children and adults

Strengthening of community interaction and dialogue

Empowerment of women and youth

Creation of locally relevant knowledge ecosystems

Over time, such initiatives can reshape how communities perceive education—not as a system imposed from outside, but as a shared and evolving process.

Partner With Us

Library Village Maniguh is committed to sharing its learning and supporting the replication of this model in other regions.

We welcome collaboration with:

Individuals and community leaders

Non-governmental organisations

Educational institutions

CSR partners and foundations

We offer guidance, mentorship, and support to those interested in developing Library Villages in their own contexts.

Get in Touch

If you are interested in building a Library Village or collaborating with us, we would be happy to connect.

Email: gaongharfoundation@gmail.com
Website: www.libraryvillage.in